Jagged limestone cliffs accented with green foliage surged from the ocean like a surreal painting or scene from Jurassic Park. Above, a suspended full moon in the pitch black sky was the only light to guide us home. Hours before, the sun sunk into an otherworldly fuchsia and orange sky dotted with cotton candy clouds. Even the sounds of our boatâ€™s engine could not obstruct the sheer tranquility of the moment. In the middle of calm waters, hundreds of miles from any city or hordes of people, I finally understood why sometimes the best moments are always worth the travel time.

There are some places you visit and canâ€™t decide whether you want to scream them to the world or keep secret because theyâ€™re just too good to share. El Nido in the Philippines is one of those places. Located in the province of Palawan in Bacuit Bay, the region was discovered nearly 22,000 years ago. Though it tops the list of nearly every travel pick for best beaches and diving in the world, depending on your location, the journey there is not for the faint of heart. However, to make the trek would be one of the best decisions any travel lover could make.

El Nido Resorts consist of four eco-friendly islands around Palawan. Lagen Island Resortâ€™s stilted water bungalows welcome guests traveling by boat. Itâ€™s a dreamy vision to behold from afar, and the quintessential over water getaway everyone dreams of experiencing. Nestled between a lush rainforest and turquoise lagoon, Lagen is an intimate property for the traveler who revels in the feeling of time standing still. It is a wildlife sanctuary and the finest example of Mother Nature showing just how limitless her creations can be.

There are 51 rooms on property, including 18 water cottages and four suites. Room amenities include cable television, an iPod dock and WiFi. Though the sunset can be seen from nearly every corner of the property, the view from a cozy deck in the water cottages when the light bounces off the ocean below is magical.

Lagen has a poolside bar and Clubhouse restaurant that serves Filipino cuisine like arroz caldo and chicken inasal, as well as some traditional American foods. Do not miss the mangoes, which were the best Iâ€™ve ever tasted in my life. Just the right amount of sweetness and tang, and so juicy they could barely stay on my fork. There is a pool, spa and gym on property, as well as hiking trails around the island. The staff and hospitality is exceptional. The pride in El Nido can be heard in every localsâ€™ voice, and rightfully so.

Water lovers will find limitless options at Lagen and its surrounding area. Diving, snorkeling, and paddle-boarding are just a few of the activities offered. A trip to the infamous Big and Small Lagoon in Miniloc Island is a must. Book a private boat, called a Bangka, to the locations. On the journey, you will pass white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, coral, and, if youâ€™re lucky, a few sea turtles and other sea life. The lagoons contain crystal clear water and jagged black limestone cliffs made from million year old fossils. It is, in a word, astonishing. In the small lagoon, kayaks wade their way through pristine waters and snorkelers enjoy a swim through shaded grottos. Itâ€™s hard not to blink twice and utter, wow at least once.

After a morning of lagoon hopping, a poolside lunch at Pangalusian Island provides ample opportunity to relax and enjoy freshly grilled fish and a large wine selection. For a more intimate dining experience, Lagen Island offers sand bar dinners in the middle of the ocean and private beach experiences that include a sunset that will leave onlookers speechless. The only thing better? Sunrise, when you can experience it all again.